Clarence Avant, the judicious manager, entrepreneur, facilitator and adviser who helped launch or guide the careers of Quincy Jones, Bill Withers and many others and came to be known as the “Black Godfather” of music and beyond, has died. He was 92.
Avant, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a family statement released Monday.
Avant’s achievements were both public and behind the scenes, as a name in the credits, or a name behind the names. Born in a segregated hospital in North Carolina, he became a man of lasting and wide-ranging influence, in part by minding two pieces of advice from an early mentor, the music manager Joe Glaser: Never let on how much you know, and ask for as much money as possible, “without stuttering.”
“He exemplified a certain level of cool and street smarts...
Avant, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a family statement released Monday.
Avant’s achievements were both public and behind the scenes, as a name in the credits, or a name behind the names. Born in a segregated hospital in North Carolina, he became a man of lasting and wide-ranging influence, in part by minding two pieces of advice from an early mentor, the music manager Joe Glaser: Never let on how much you know, and ask for as much money as possible, “without stuttering.”
“He exemplified a certain level of cool and street smarts...
- 8/15/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Clarence Avant, the music executive and film producer who was known unofficially as “The Godfather” of Black entertainment, died on Sunday in his Los Angeles home. He was 92.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” a statement from his children, Nicole and Alexander, as well as his son-in-law Ted Sarandos read. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics and sports. Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
Avant began his music industry career in the 1950s as a manager of Teddy P’s Lounge in Newark, New Jersey. He would later go on...
“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” a statement from his children, Nicole and Alexander, as well as his son-in-law Ted Sarandos read. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics and sports. Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
Avant began his music industry career in the 1950s as a manager of Teddy P’s Lounge in Newark, New Jersey. He would later go on...
- 8/14/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Clarence Avant, the veteran music and entertainment executive known as the “Black Godfather” who was hailed for his influence and guidance by Quincy Jones, Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Whitney Houston, and others, died at home in Los Angeles on Sunday. He was 92.
Avant’s death was announced Monday through a statement shared by his family. “It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” the statement read. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music,...
Avant’s death was announced Monday through a statement shared by his family. “It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” the statement read. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music,...
- 8/14/2023
- by Larisha Paul and Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Clarence Avant, who was dubbed the “Godfather of Black Music,” died Sunday in Los Angeles, his family has confirmed. He was 92.
A statement provided by his family including son-in-law Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-ceo, announced Avant’s passing “with a heavy heart,” and said he had “passed away gently.”
“Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” the statement said. “Top artists and executives like Quincy Jones, JayZ, Whitney Houston, Pharrell Williams, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean Combs, L.A. Reid, Suzanne de Passe, Kenny ‘Baby Face’ Edmonds, Jon Platt, Irving Azoff, Snoop Dogg Reginald Hudland, Benny Medina and Queen Latifah all credit Avant for his inspiration and guidance.”
The news comes almost two years after the shooting death of his wife, Jackie Avant, during a break-in at the family’s Beverly Hills home...
A statement provided by his family including son-in-law Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-ceo, announced Avant’s passing “with a heavy heart,” and said he had “passed away gently.”
“Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” the statement said. “Top artists and executives like Quincy Jones, JayZ, Whitney Houston, Pharrell Williams, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean Combs, L.A. Reid, Suzanne de Passe, Kenny ‘Baby Face’ Edmonds, Jon Platt, Irving Azoff, Snoop Dogg Reginald Hudland, Benny Medina and Queen Latifah all credit Avant for his inspiration and guidance.”
The news comes almost two years after the shooting death of his wife, Jackie Avant, during a break-in at the family’s Beverly Hills home...
- 8/14/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Clarence Avant, the beloved recording industry insider whose work as an executive, label owner, dealmaker and mentor earned him the nickname the “Godfather of Black Music,” has died. He was 92.
Avant died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, his family announced in a statement. His death came 20 months after his wife of 54 years, philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, was shot and killed by an intruder in their Beverly Hills home in the early morning hours of Dec. 1, 2021.
Survivors include their daughter, Nicole Avant, a producer, former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas and the wife of Netflix co-ceo and chief content officer Ted Sarandos, and their son, Alexander, a producer (Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!) and talent rep.
“Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come,” the Avant/Sarandos family said.
Avant died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, his family announced in a statement. His death came 20 months after his wife of 54 years, philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, was shot and killed by an intruder in their Beverly Hills home in the early morning hours of Dec. 1, 2021.
Survivors include their daughter, Nicole Avant, a producer, former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas and the wife of Netflix co-ceo and chief content officer Ted Sarandos, and their son, Alexander, a producer (Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!) and talent rep.
“Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come,” the Avant/Sarandos family said.
- 8/14/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jimi Hendrix met Lithofayne (Faye) Pridgon outside the Apollo theater. He was trying to get backstage to talk with Sam Cooke, who he thought could help his career. Hendrix and Pridgon took a quick liking to each other. Here’s how their whirlwind romance began.
Who was Faye Pridgon?
Pridgon was born in Dirty Spoon, Georgia. She was the daughter of a professional dancer and reportedly the illegitimate great granddaughter of Henry Ford, according to Wild Thing by Philip Norman. At 15 years old she had an affair with Little Willie John, who’s known for the song “Fever.” At 16, she was romantically connected to Same Cooke, which is how she got Hendrix backstage that night at the Apollo. It also didn’t hurt that she was best friends with Etta James.
When Hendrix met Pridgon, she was two years older than him. She wore a tight pegged skirt and higher-than-high heels.
Who was Faye Pridgon?
Pridgon was born in Dirty Spoon, Georgia. She was the daughter of a professional dancer and reportedly the illegitimate great granddaughter of Henry Ford, according to Wild Thing by Philip Norman. At 15 years old she had an affair with Little Willie John, who’s known for the song “Fever.” At 16, she was romantically connected to Same Cooke, which is how she got Hendrix backstage that night at the Apollo. It also didn’t hurt that she was best friends with Etta James.
When Hendrix met Pridgon, she was two years older than him. She wore a tight pegged skirt and higher-than-high heels.
- 7/16/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac at the end of 1974, the group set off on a path that made them one of the most commercially successful bands in the world. Nicks and Buckingham’s influence on the group cannot be understated. Their songwriting, vocals, and overall musical talent fit in with the band but also transformed it. It’s hard to imagine the band without them.
Fleetwood Mac: Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, and John McVie | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Still, Fleetwood Mac existed for years without them. Here are five of the band’s best songs that don’t feature Nicks. Most came out before she joined the band, but one is a classic from Rumours.
‘Need Your Love So Bad’
Before Fleetwood Mac released bright, California-cool songs, they were a blues band. Their 1968 single “Need Your Love So Bad” is one...
Fleetwood Mac: Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, and John McVie | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Still, Fleetwood Mac existed for years without them. Here are five of the band’s best songs that don’t feature Nicks. Most came out before she joined the band, but one is a classic from Rumours.
‘Need Your Love So Bad’
Before Fleetwood Mac released bright, California-cool songs, they were a blues band. Their 1968 single “Need Your Love So Bad” is one...
- 5/10/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Mable John, the first ever female solo singer signed to Motown Records, has died aged 91.
John was the first woman who record executive Berry Gordy signed at Motown. She later moved to Stax Records in Memphis.
John’s death was announced by the singer’s nephew, Kevin, who told The Detroit News that she had died on Thursday (25 August).
The singer spent her final years helping the homeless through her LA charity.
“We loved her and she was a kind person,” said Kevin, speaking of his aunt’s character.
A cause of death is yet to be announced.
John was born in 1930 in Louisiana. Her family eventually moved to Detroit in 1941 where she grew up.
She was one of nine children, one of whom was the famous R&b singer Little Willie John. John opened for him when he began touring in the Fifties.
Her brother died in 1968. His sons...
John was the first woman who record executive Berry Gordy signed at Motown. She later moved to Stax Records in Memphis.
John’s death was announced by the singer’s nephew, Kevin, who told The Detroit News that she had died on Thursday (25 August).
The singer spent her final years helping the homeless through her LA charity.
“We loved her and she was a kind person,” said Kevin, speaking of his aunt’s character.
A cause of death is yet to be announced.
John was born in 1930 in Louisiana. Her family eventually moved to Detroit in 1941 where she grew up.
She was one of nine children, one of whom was the famous R&b singer Little Willie John. John opened for him when he began touring in the Fifties.
Her brother died in 1968. His sons...
- 8/29/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Mable John, who recorded for Motown and Stax and later worked with Ray Charles, died Aug. 25 at her home in Los Angeles. Her nephew, Kevin John, confirmed the death, but did not give a cause. She was 91.
“We loved her and she was a kind person,” Kevin John said of his aunt, the older sister of R&b star Little Willie John.
John had a rich career in music. She was the first solo female artist signed to Motown (then Tamla Records) by Berry Gordy Jr. and recorded the songs “Who Wouldn’t Love A Man Like That,” “Actions Speak Louder Than Words,” “No Love,” “Looking for a Man,” and “Take Me,” the latter with background harmonies by The Temptations.
John left Motown in the mid-1960s to join Memphis label Stax Records. There she teamed with the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter for her 1966 hit “Your...
“We loved her and she was a kind person,” Kevin John said of his aunt, the older sister of R&b star Little Willie John.
John had a rich career in music. She was the first solo female artist signed to Motown (then Tamla Records) by Berry Gordy Jr. and recorded the songs “Who Wouldn’t Love A Man Like That,” “Actions Speak Louder Than Words,” “No Love,” “Looking for a Man,” and “Take Me,” the latter with background harmonies by The Temptations.
John left Motown in the mid-1960s to join Memphis label Stax Records. There she teamed with the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter for her 1966 hit “Your...
- 8/28/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Mable John, the first female solo artist signed to Motown (then Tamla) Records, a Stax singer and longtime Ray Charles collaborator, has died at the age of 91.
John died Thursday at her home in Los Angeles; no cause of death was revealed. “We loved her and she was a kind person,” her nephew Kevin John told the Detroit News.
Related Lamont Dozier, Motown Songwriter Behind Countless Classics, Dead at 81 Former Jeffrey Epstein Associate Steven Hoffenberg Found Dead at 77 Jerry Allison, Drummer and Songwriter for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Dead...
John died Thursday at her home in Los Angeles; no cause of death was revealed. “We loved her and she was a kind person,” her nephew Kevin John told the Detroit News.
Related Lamont Dozier, Motown Songwriter Behind Countless Classics, Dead at 81 Former Jeffrey Epstein Associate Steven Hoffenberg Found Dead at 77 Jerry Allison, Drummer and Songwriter for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Dead...
- 8/27/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The man who gunned down philanthropist Jacqueline Avant with an Ar-15 style rifle at the Beverly Hills residence she shared with her music legend husband Clarence Avant was sentenced to 190 years to life in prison Tuesday.
Aariel Maynor, 30, pleaded no contest last month to Avant’s Dec. 1 murder and the attempted murder of a security guard, who was not injured when Maynor fired at him four to eight times.
Deputy District Attorney Victor Avila said Avant was shot in the back after she was ambushed in the dark of her home.
Aariel Maynor, 30, pleaded no contest last month to Avant’s Dec. 1 murder and the attempted murder of a security guard, who was not injured when Maynor fired at him four to eight times.
Deputy District Attorney Victor Avila said Avant was shot in the back after she was ambushed in the dark of her home.
- 4/19/2022
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
A California man pleaded guilty Thursday to the shocking home-invasion slaying of philanthropist Jacqueline Avant inside the Beverly Hills residence she shared with her music legend husband Clarence Avant.
Aariel Maynor, 30, gave his open plea in a Los Angeles courtroom, admitting he broke into the famous couple’s Trousdale Estates home in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 1 and used an “assault long barrel pistol” to gun down Avant and shoot at a security guard who wasn’t injured.
Maynor is now facing up to 170 years to life in prison for...
Aariel Maynor, 30, gave his open plea in a Los Angeles courtroom, admitting he broke into the famous couple’s Trousdale Estates home in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 1 and used an “assault long barrel pistol” to gun down Avant and shoot at a security guard who wasn’t injured.
Maynor is now facing up to 170 years to life in prison for...
- 3/3/2022
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: The Many Saints of Newark star Alessandro Nivola continues to stay busy as he is in talks to star opposite Michelle Williams in Todd Haynes’s Peggy Lee biopic Fever. Nivola will play Dave Barbour in pic. Set up at MGM the feature is written by Doug Wright and produced by Marc Platt, Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler and Reese Witherspoon.
MGM had no comment.
Best known for her cover of the Little Willie John song “Fever,” to which she added her own additional lyrics, Lee was a product of the big band era, a singer, songwriter and composer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. She died in 2002 at the age of 81 but her legacy lives on as one of the first members of Capitol Records’ “old guard” to embrace the new rock ‘n’ roll sound. She was also an accomplished actor, earning an Oscar nom for best supporting actress...
MGM had no comment.
Best known for her cover of the Little Willie John song “Fever,” to which she added her own additional lyrics, Lee was a product of the big band era, a singer, songwriter and composer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. She died in 2002 at the age of 81 but her legacy lives on as one of the first members of Capitol Records’ “old guard” to embrace the new rock ‘n’ roll sound. She was also an accomplished actor, earning an Oscar nom for best supporting actress...
- 12/6/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Michelle Williams is attached to star in the biopic “Fever” about the life of singer Peggy Lee. The film will now be directed by Todd Haynes, and MGM is in talks to acquire it, two individuals told TheWrap.
“Fever” was once a project that had Reese Witherspoon attached to star with a screenplay by the late Nora Ephron, but this latest package of the film is still in its early days.
Pop star Billie Eilish has expressed interest in being an executive producer on the film along with her mother, Maggie Baird, and record label boss Justin Lubliner. Eilish previously participated in an online 100th anniversary celebration of Lee’s contributions to music.
“Fever” began as a project under Fox 2000, but was put on hold after Ephron passed away in 2012 and after Witherspoon departed the film. Fox 2000 was then closed in Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, and the project was shelved.
“Fever” was once a project that had Reese Witherspoon attached to star with a screenplay by the late Nora Ephron, but this latest package of the film is still in its early days.
Pop star Billie Eilish has expressed interest in being an executive producer on the film along with her mother, Maggie Baird, and record label boss Justin Lubliner. Eilish previously participated in an online 100th anniversary celebration of Lee’s contributions to music.
“Fever” began as a project under Fox 2000, but was put on hold after Ephron passed away in 2012 and after Witherspoon departed the film. Fox 2000 was then closed in Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, and the project was shelved.
- 2/4/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The long-in-development Peggy Lee biopic Fever not only looks to have found a new studio to call home, but also a new star to play the legendary singer. Sources tell Deadline that MGM is in talks to come aboard the Peggy Lee biopic, with Academy Award nominee Todd Haynes set to direct and four-time Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams on board to star.
The film will be produced by Marc Platt, Reese Witherspoon and Pamela Koffler & Christine Vachon via their Killer Films production company. It is understood that multi-Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish, mother Maggie Baird and Record Label partner Justin Lubliner have expressed interest in Fever and are in early discussions with the filmmakers to come on board as executive producers for the feature film.
Eilish was part of a celebration of Lee’s life and career last May and has always seen Lee as one of her inspirations for her music.
The film will be produced by Marc Platt, Reese Witherspoon and Pamela Koffler & Christine Vachon via their Killer Films production company. It is understood that multi-Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish, mother Maggie Baird and Record Label partner Justin Lubliner have expressed interest in Fever and are in early discussions with the filmmakers to come on board as executive producers for the feature film.
Eilish was part of a celebration of Lee’s life and career last May and has always seen Lee as one of her inspirations for her music.
- 2/4/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Cicely Tyson, the trailblazing actress died whose career spanned more than six decades, died Thursday afternoon, her manager Larry Thompson confirmed. She was 96.
From the start of her career, Tyson resolved to portray strong, positive, and realistic images of black women onscreen, and for many, she represented an enduring strength. Tyson received an Oscar nomination in 1973 for Martin Ritt’s drama Sounder (and was finally given an honorary Oscar in 2018), and became famous to a wider audience for her starring role in the 1974 TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,...
From the start of her career, Tyson resolved to portray strong, positive, and realistic images of black women onscreen, and for many, she represented an enduring strength. Tyson received an Oscar nomination in 1973 for Martin Ritt’s drama Sounder (and was finally given an honorary Oscar in 2018), and became famous to a wider audience for her starring role in the 1974 TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Jerry Portwood
- Rollingstone.com
Clarence Avant is one of the music business’s most legendary executives. Mentored by Joe Glaser, the longtime manager of Louis Armstrong, Avant has been in the business since the 1950s, managing Sarah Vaughan, R&B singer Little Willie John and others, before he became a powerhouse at Venture and Sussex Records, signing Bill Withers and more while his own a broadcasting company and producing films like Paramount’s Save the Children.
Avant is the subject of a new Netflix documentary The Black Godfather, which is going to be released on...
Avant is the subject of a new Netflix documentary The Black Godfather, which is going to be released on...
- 5/23/2019
- by Patrick Doyle
- Rollingstone.com
Aretha Franklin’s genius took so many forms — as a singer, a songwriter, an album-crafter, a live performer. But the Queen was also one of history’s most audacious Beatle fans. Nobody ever sang the Beatles like Aretha. Since she was one of the few Sixties musicians as famous and revered as they were, she felt free to take any approach she pleased to a Fabs song — sometimes radically reworking it, as when she sang “Eleanor Rigby” in the first person. When Aretha sang any song, even a Beatle song,...
- 8/16/2018
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
Ron Sunshine: Bring It Home (Rondette)
Ron Sunshine's mix of jazz, soul, and blues is always a little different from album to album. This time out the vibe is classy late-'50s/early '60s R&B with a small horn section and lots of blues shuffles. The horns and the pianist will sometimes play jazz harmonies, but in general the feeling is more down-home than his more swing-oriented efforts were -- though we're talking fine distinctions here; he's not changing styles, just shifting leanings by degrees.
Sunshine's broad tastes show in his cover of Charlie Rich's "Who Will the Next Fool Be," and his vocal is every bit as effective in his own style as Rich's or Bobby Bland's versions -- Sunshine can do covers without fearing comparisons to either the originals or to other covers; he pulls off "I'm Shakin'" (made famous by Little Willie John...
Ron Sunshine's mix of jazz, soul, and blues is always a little different from album to album. This time out the vibe is classy late-'50s/early '60s R&B with a small horn section and lots of blues shuffles. The horns and the pianist will sometimes play jazz harmonies, but in general the feeling is more down-home than his more swing-oriented efforts were -- though we're talking fine distinctions here; he's not changing styles, just shifting leanings by degrees.
Sunshine's broad tastes show in his cover of Charlie Rich's "Who Will the Next Fool Be," and his vocal is every bit as effective in his own style as Rich's or Bobby Bland's versions -- Sunshine can do covers without fearing comparisons to either the originals or to other covers; he pulls off "I'm Shakin'" (made famous by Little Willie John...
- 11/20/2015
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Back in August, I released a mix tape consisting of the best tracks, from the best movie soundtracks and best scores of the first half of 2014. This here, is the entire mix consisting of the best songs heard in movies all year long.
Note: If you’ve already heard the first half, simply skip ahead one hour in. Enjoy!
Playlist:
Phase 1
Guardians of the Galaxy Clip
The Band – “The Weight” (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Clip
Superhuman – “Where It Ends” (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Alexandre Desplat – “Godzilla Main Theme”
Marco Beltrami – “We Go Forward” (Snowpiercer)
Snowpiercer Clip
Hot Blood – “Soul Dracula” (Only Lovers Left Alive)
Only Lovers Left Alive Clip
James Brown – “Papas Got A Brand New Bag” (Get On Up: The James Brown Story)
Get On Up Movie Clip
Elvis Presley – “You’re the Devil in Disquise...
Note: If you’ve already heard the first half, simply skip ahead one hour in. Enjoy!
Playlist:
Phase 1
Guardians of the Galaxy Clip
The Band – “The Weight” (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Clip
Superhuman – “Where It Ends” (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Alexandre Desplat – “Godzilla Main Theme”
Marco Beltrami – “We Go Forward” (Snowpiercer)
Snowpiercer Clip
Hot Blood – “Soul Dracula” (Only Lovers Left Alive)
Only Lovers Left Alive Clip
James Brown – “Papas Got A Brand New Bag” (Get On Up: The James Brown Story)
Get On Up Movie Clip
Elvis Presley – “You’re the Devil in Disquise...
- 12/5/2014
- by Sordid Cinema Podcast
- SoundOnSight
Little Milton (born Milton James Campbell on September 7, 1934 in Inverness, Mississippi; his father was Big Milton) came up singing the blues and by the '70s had moved into hardcore soul. He was a master of both styles.
In 1953 Ike Turner recruited Milton for the legendary Sun Records. His Sun singles didn't achieve success, and he spent subsequent years hopping from label to label until he started a label, Bobbin, with a St. Louis DJ. When they had a falling out, Little Milton moved to the Chess subsidiary Checker (which had been distributing Bobbin), even bringing at least one track recorded for Bobbin. Soon Milton branched out from performing to producing and managing other performers, and also gained his first hit (on the R&B chart) in 1962, "Mean to Me."
This period of Little Milton's career is well covered on the 16-song Chess CD Greatest Hits in the label's 50th Anniversary Collection series.
In 1953 Ike Turner recruited Milton for the legendary Sun Records. His Sun singles didn't achieve success, and he spent subsequent years hopping from label to label until he started a label, Bobbin, with a St. Louis DJ. When they had a falling out, Little Milton moved to the Chess subsidiary Checker (which had been distributing Bobbin), even bringing at least one track recorded for Bobbin. Soon Milton branched out from performing to producing and managing other performers, and also gained his first hit (on the R&B chart) in 1962, "Mean to Me."
This period of Little Milton's career is well covered on the 16-song Chess CD Greatest Hits in the label's 50th Anniversary Collection series.
- 9/7/2014
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
I’m back with another mix tape, only this time the compilation consists solely of the best music from movies released in 2014 (January to the end of August). As per usual, I’ve also included some fun movie clips. Here are tracks from the best soundtracks and scores of the year so far. Be sure to check back in December for part two.
Playlist:
Phase 1
Guardians of the Galaxy Clip
The Band – “The Weight” (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Clip
Superhuman – “Where It Ends” (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Alexandre Desplat – “Godzilla Main Theme”
Marco Beltrami – “We Go Forward” (Snowpiercer)
Snowpiercer Clip
Hot Blood – “Soul Dracula” (Only Lovers Left Alive)
Only Lovers Left Alive Clip
James Brown – “Papas Got A Brand New Bag” (Get On Up: The James Brown Story)
Get On Up Movie Clip
Elvis Presley – “You’re...
Playlist:
Phase 1
Guardians of the Galaxy Clip
The Band – “The Weight” (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Clip
Superhuman – “Where It Ends” (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Alexandre Desplat – “Godzilla Main Theme”
Marco Beltrami – “We Go Forward” (Snowpiercer)
Snowpiercer Clip
Hot Blood – “Soul Dracula” (Only Lovers Left Alive)
Only Lovers Left Alive Clip
James Brown – “Papas Got A Brand New Bag” (Get On Up: The James Brown Story)
Get On Up Movie Clip
Elvis Presley – “You’re...
- 8/27/2014
- by Sound On Sight Podcast
- SoundOnSight
Never underestimate the power of an indie thriller. Some of the most suspenseful, thought-provoking and supremely satisfying thrillers of the past few years have come from unknown directors working on shoe-string budgets with no-name casts and only their ideas to guide them. Blue Ruin, from Jeremy Saulnier and starring Macon Blair, may not look like much on the surface – but trust me, this all-American tale of good, old-fashioned vengeance has the kick of a mule.
It’s different from other revenge thrillers almost immediately, opening with images of its gaunt, haggard protagonist that evoke horror and pity in equal measure. Dwight (Blair) is not your typical hero – he’s a beach bum, a vagrant, deeply troubled and twisted in ways that he can’t comprehend but that are plain to see from his sunken eyes, slightly open jaw and messy beard. In no way is this is a guy who...
It’s different from other revenge thrillers almost immediately, opening with images of its gaunt, haggard protagonist that evoke horror and pity in equal measure. Dwight (Blair) is not your typical hero – he’s a beach bum, a vagrant, deeply troubled and twisted in ways that he can’t comprehend but that are plain to see from his sunken eyes, slightly open jaw and messy beard. In no way is this is a guy who...
- 7/24/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
The world has already seen roughly 30 Godzilla movies — if you count Roland Emmerich’s 1998 Hollywood remake (which most of us like to forget), Today on Sordid Cinema (the demented stepchild of our flagship podcast), we sit down to discuss the latest version of the legend, brought to life by director Gareth Edwards. Later in the podcast, we also take time to review Jonathan Glazer’s first film in 10 years, Under the Skin – an arty sci-fi thriller, adapted from a novel by Michael Faber, and starring Scarlett Johanson. Finally, we close off with a review of Blue Ruin, a classic American revenge tale that won the International Critics Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Playlist:
Blue Oyster Club – “Godzilla”
Little Willie John – “No Regrets”
Please give us a rating on Itunes. It would be very much appreciated!
Listen on iTunes
Like us on Facebook
Follow Ricky on Twitter
Follow Edgar on...
Playlist:
Blue Oyster Club – “Godzilla”
Little Willie John – “No Regrets”
Please give us a rating on Itunes. It would be very much appreciated!
Listen on iTunes
Like us on Facebook
Follow Ricky on Twitter
Follow Edgar on...
- 5/20/2014
- by Sordid Cinema Podcast
- SoundOnSight
It would seem that at the moment, Joaquin Phoenix is drawn to stories of oddball relationships. Last year, he found himself entwined with Philip Seymour Hoffman in a father/son, mentor/master union as part of Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master." And a year later he's back, this time romancing the voice of an operating system (really) in Spike Jonze's "Her." And yet, within that premise is film that we called "disarmingly funny, insightful and empathetic," and that we, well, fell in love with. It features a unique vision, tender soul and wouldn't you know it, a great soundtrack too. We got our hands on the full list of songs in the flick, and in addition to a couple of new (instrumental) Arcade Fire cuts, the movie features The Breeders, a duet between virtual lovers Scarlett Johansson (who voices the Os) and Joaquin Phoenix, some old timey jams...
- 12/13/2013
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
A Pre-Grammy Conversation with Bob Clearmountain
Mike Ragogna: Bob, here at the Grammys watching over the sonics of the Bruce Springsteen segment. What are some of the things you look out for when it comes to the right mix on Bruce?
Bob Clearmountain: The thing with Bruce, and any artist like Bruce, is that the most important thing is the song, getting across the meaning and the character of the song. Bruce is almost like an actor in that he creates a character for each of his songs. He wants to make sure that the narrative of the song comes across. It's no different here than it is with making records. There has to be no disconnect between that character you create and the narrative. Basically, that's what I look for. The rest of it is all making it sound good and as exciting as possible. The song he's...
Mike Ragogna: Bob, here at the Grammys watching over the sonics of the Bruce Springsteen segment. What are some of the things you look out for when it comes to the right mix on Bruce?
Bob Clearmountain: The thing with Bruce, and any artist like Bruce, is that the most important thing is the song, getting across the meaning and the character of the song. Bruce is almost like an actor in that he creates a character for each of his songs. He wants to make sure that the narrative of the song comes across. It's no different here than it is with making records. There has to be no disconnect between that character you create and the narrative. Basically, that's what I look for. The rest of it is all making it sound good and as exciting as possible. The song he's...
- 2/16/2012
- by Mike Ragogna
- Aol TV.
Singer's spot for Heat is not to air before 7:30 p.m. due to its 'sexually provocative' imagery.
By James Dinh
Beyonce in her ad for Heat
Photo: Coty UK
Whether through her music videos or concerts, Beyoncé has always used her sex appeal as part of her pop-star allure. But is she too sexy? The U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority thinks so. The singer's television spot for her fragrance, Heat, was recently banned from daytime rotation due to its "sexually provocative" imagery.
In a statement posted on its website, the advertising watchdog said that it has received several complaints about the spot, which was aired throughout the day during family programming and will now only be shown after 7:30 p.m. While the organization noted that the ad was unlikely to harm an older audience, it deemed the spot unsuitable for all-ages viewing. "We considered that Beyoncé's body...
By James Dinh
Beyonce in her ad for Heat
Photo: Coty UK
Whether through her music videos or concerts, Beyoncé has always used her sex appeal as part of her pop-star allure. But is she too sexy? The U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority thinks so. The singer's television spot for her fragrance, Heat, was recently banned from daytime rotation due to its "sexually provocative" imagery.
In a statement posted on its website, the advertising watchdog said that it has received several complaints about the spot, which was aired throughout the day during family programming and will now only be shown after 7:30 p.m. While the organization noted that the ad was unlikely to harm an older audience, it deemed the spot unsuitable for all-ages viewing. "We considered that Beyoncé's body...
- 11/17/2010
- MTV Music News
Actor who won an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter will star as the late, great jazz singer in Ephron's latest project
Reese Witherspoon is to return to the territory which won her an Oscar after signing on to play Peggy Lee in an untitled biopic of the late, great jazz singer. Writer-director Nora Ephron, whose Julie & Julia won Meryl Streep a raft of awards last year, is in line to take charge of the script and cameras.
Best known for her cover version of the Little Willie John song, Fever – to which she added her own additional lyrics – Lee was a product of the big band era, a singer, songwriter and composer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. Married four times, she died in 2002 at the age of 81.
The singer was one of the first members of Capitol Records' "old guard" to embrace the new rock and roll sound,...
Reese Witherspoon is to return to the territory which won her an Oscar after signing on to play Peggy Lee in an untitled biopic of the late, great jazz singer. Writer-director Nora Ephron, whose Julie & Julia won Meryl Streep a raft of awards last year, is in line to take charge of the script and cameras.
Best known for her cover version of the Little Willie John song, Fever – to which she added her own additional lyrics – Lee was a product of the big band era, a singer, songwriter and composer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. Married four times, she died in 2002 at the age of 81.
The singer was one of the first members of Capitol Records' "old guard" to embrace the new rock and roll sound,...
- 8/10/2010
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.